- Vladimir Hryunov (Russian boxing promoter and Lebedev's manager) is behind all this. And is apparently trying to bring back boxing in Russia, grooming upcoming Russian fighters and putting them against over their prime veterans.

James Toney has nothing but a punch anymore. His legs are gone, his speed is long gone, his defense is gone, his trunk agility is gone, his ability to think is gone. He's basicaly a punching bag that might hit back. It doesn't matter who he's fighting, that's who I pick to win. Unless it's Shamrock.

I always thought it was funny how Toney could stand flat-footed and barely move, yet still consistantly make people faster than miss and pay for it. Here is his most recent fight in full.

Despite obviously losing some of skills, he didn't look as bad as a former 160lb fighter should 100lbs heavier and pushing 50. Lebedev is a much tougher opponent, but it's possible losing 60lbs will allow Toney to use skills he wasn't physicaly able to against Reed. It's also certain that the amount of work it will take to lose and keep off that weight will do wonders for Toney's health and confidence.

Even if he still loses but looks good doing it, I'll gladly take back my criticism of him. However, with his already diminishing mental capacity, I still don't think it's a good idea for him to be fighting.